Pentagon responds on JFCOM demands

The Pentagon responded Thursday to a pair of long-stated demands from Virginia leaders who are fuming over the proposed closing of Joint Forces Command in Norfolk.

First, Defense Secretary Robert Gates agreed to meet with the state's congressional delegation and Gov. Bob McDonnell next Tuesday to discuss his decision. The delegation had asked for a meeting in late September.

Second, Sen. Jim Webb said the Defense Department released "the first cut of data" that he had requested more than three months ago.

The information, which came late Wednesday, prompted Webb on Thursday to back away from his vow to freeze all civilian and military nominations put forward by the Pentagon.

At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Webb announced he would relent and not delay the two nominations that came before the panel — both generals who were up for major appointments.

The two were Air Force Gen. Claude R. Kehler, up for command of U.S. Strategic Command, and Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, up for commander of U.S. Africa Command.

After praising both men and noting receipt of the Pentagon data, Webb said, "I will happily release these holds. So you're free at least."

Webb said his threat was "not a political ploy," but an effort to get historical data that would help put the JFCOM issue in perspective.

The meeting between Gates and the Virginia delegation will take place next Tuesday, a source said.

Gates announced on Aug. 9 that he planned to dismantle JFCOM, which is directly responsible for about 5,600 jobs in Hampton Roads. The majority of them contractors, and it is unclear how many positions would be lost.

The decision is part of an overall plan to save $100 billion and reinvest that money in more critical defense needs. But Virginia leaders say Gates must explain himself in more detail.

They want to know how many jobs will be cut or transferred. They also question how the military will maintain the mission of JFCOM, which trains different branches of the military to operate and fight together.

Gates has said he expects portions of JFCOM to be maintained, but he has not offered details.

In other news from Thursday's Senate hearing, Webb pushed for a command shift that would bring 1,500 military and civilian personnel to Norfolk. He wants to move the headquarters for U.S. Africa Command from Stuttgart, Germany to Norfolk, and suggested the idea to Gen. Ham.

The general, subject to his confirmation, said he would assess other locations to include those in the U.S., Europe and Africa.

Webb said the move would save billions of dollars over the long term, reducing the U.S. footprint in Europe